Prolactin-producing tumors are most successfully treated with medical therapy (pills). In over 90% of patients, medical therapy reduces tumor size and blood prolactin levels. In approximately 8-10% of patients, medical treatment is not completely effective and surgery may be necessary.

A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth of pituitary cells. Pituitary tumors can either be nonfunctional (that is they do not secrete hormones) or produce specific hormones, such as prolactin (causing infertility, decreased libido, and osteoporosis), growth hormone (causing acromegaly), ACTH (causing Cushing's), TSH (causing hypothyroidism), or be nonfunctional (that is they do not produce hormones).

This depends on the type of tumor and the size of the tumor. A large tumor may cause loss of vision, particularly peripheral vision, if it compresses the optic chiasm (where the optic [eye] nerves converge). Headache may also occur; the type of headache varies from patient to patient. Headache may occur with a large or a small tumor.

In general, no. There are no specific medical treatments for this type of tumor. The best treatment is surgery to remove the tumor. Bromocriptine has been used in a few patients who could not have surgery. In this situation, a small minority of patients have had some improvement in vision because of slight reduction in tumor size and relief of pressure on the optic chiasm (eye nerves responsible for vision).

The pituitary gland is NOT in the brain and pituitary tissue is different from brain tissue. Since the pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and is connected to the brain by a thin stalk, there is often confusion, particularly by insurance companies, about the classification of a pituitary tumor. A pituitary tumor is NOT a brain tumor.

Pituitary tumors are common. In autopsy studies of patients who did not have known pituitary disease, as many as 26% had a small tumor (adenoma) in the gland. Molecular biology studies have shown that a change in the DNA of pituitary cells can cause unregulated growth of a particular cell type resulting in a pituitary tumor, called an adenoma. There are no known environmental causes. Very uncommonly, pituitary tumors may be inherited.

No, in over 99% of patients, this is NOT a cancer; it is benign. Although the tumor is benign, it can cause problems because of its size, because it causes the normal pituitary gland to become underactive (hypopituitarism) or because of excessive hormone production by the tumor.

No although the tumor may be in the area of the pituitary. A craniopharyngioma arises from abnormal development of the pituitary gland during fetal (in the womb) development. It may be located within the pituitary gland or above the pituitary gland. This is a tumor that one is born with and may enlarge at any time even in people over 60 years of age. It is not a cancer although some tumors can grow quickly and may return after surgery.

Come and see us. Our optometrist will check and measure your eyes, then discuss different treatment options. You can discover the benefits, the prices, and the facts before you go forward. Read more about your FREE consultation...

I first had cushings about 15 years ago lately I have been having symptoms of irritability, deep stretch marks in the bends of my elbows and bone fatigue. I have just lost 75 lbs and have become diabetic, also I have high cholesterol for the first time.

The tumor causes the gland to produce too much growth hormone. This, in turn, stimulates the liver to produce too much IGF-1, which causes the excess tissue growth.

Commercially available lubricants, such as K-Y Jelly, should help. It is important not use petroleum-based lubricants, like vasoline, because they can irritate the vagina further and will weaken condoms.

The pituitary is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain that functions as "The Master Gland." From its lofty position above the rest of the body it sends signals to the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, directing them to produce thyroid hormone, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and many more. These hormones have dramatic effects on metabolism, blood pressure, sexuality, reproduction, and other vital body functions.

This will vary, but here are some guidelines. If you are seeking massage treatment for remediation from a recent injury, it is usually recommend that the first two or three treatments be spaced every three to four days or weekly depending on the severity of the pain or dysfunction. For a longterm dysfunction like arthritis, a monthly treatment is recommended until your condition is stabilized. For therapeutic treatments, most people find that once a week to once a month suits their needs.

Allergen avoidance is the best treatment for any allergic disease. Avoid the allergen, and you'll avoid the allergic reaction. Diagnosis and education are crucial steps in allergen avoidance. Educated allergy and asthma sufferers fare much better than those who do not understand their disease.

My doctor is too busy with people who have problems more serious than mine to keep bothering her about different treatments.

Speak with your physician about treatment options. Although there are four standard ways to treat breast cancer (surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy), several treatments may be combined. Your physician can recommend specific treatments depending on the type and location of the cancer, the stage at which it was detected, and your age and general health.

The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid environment. Keep the affected area dry. Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort, but avoid using ointments or creams -- they keep the skin warm and moist and may make the condition worse.

Until recently, drug treatment - even with all its problems - was the best bet to control your blood pressure. This is probably because blood pressure drugs closely target the physiology of hypertension. Even when the original cause of a person's hypertension may remain unknown, the physiological result is always a restriction of blood flow, which increases the pressure and load on the heart.

Best treatment of appendicitis is its surgical removal. Mild appendicitis may sometimes be cured with antibiotics. More serious cases are treated with surgery to remove the appendix, called an appendectomy. Doctors may use laparoscopic surgery for appendectomy. This technique involves making several tiny cuts in the abdomen and inserting a miniature camera and surgical instruments.

Because the laser beam seeks out and destroys Actively Growing hair roots, it is IMPORTANT to avoid waxing / sugaring / threading/ Epilady and electrolysis (or anything that will pull your hair out by the root, These procedures temporarily remove the pigmented part of the hair follicle, while the laser needs to use as a target when it destroys the hair follicle) for at least FOUR WEEKS prior to your treatment. It is important to stay on schedule with your laser services for optimal results.